BRotD - Entry 0211 Narrowing the Gap Between Marketing and Technology

Best Reading of the Day

Macy's is being analyzed again for its omnichannel efforts.  The folks over at Mobile Commerce Daily have an excellent read:

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/macys-narrows-gap-between-marketing-technology-to-boost-omnichannel-strategy-mobile-marketer

Here is a snippet from that piece:

NEW YORK – A Macy’s executive at the Mcommerce Summit: State of Mobile Commerce 2015 discussed how the retailer’s marketing and technology departments work closely together, enabling it to bring innovations such as visual search to market while making the organization more comfortable with testing new solutions that may not be perfect yet.

During the presentation, “Macy’s: Focusing on Advances in Social Marketing and Technology through the Omnichannel Lens,” the executive also pointed to the importance of mobile in the convergence of the digital experience and the physical store. Examples include a new feature in the Macy’s shopping application enabling users to send a product home while in the store and the testing of different mobile devices to support store associates.

“I think that marketing and technology are converging,” said Martine Reardon, chief marketing officer at Macy’s.

You have to wonder how much this is wishful thinking on the part of marketing and how much is reality.  Some CIOs would prefer to take increasing ownership of digital while a new category of C-Suite is interested as well, namely the Chief Digital Officers and/or Chief Customer Experience Officers.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

TV is Dead, Long Live TV

The drumbeat towards internet TV appears to be accelerating this year.  We've seen news of Verizon offering a new bundle and ESPN suing Verizon for that move.  Now we get news on HULU with a huge signing.  TV as we know it is dying rapidly but its new form is taking a clear shape as well.

First up is a great piece on Bloomberg.com about the ESPN news:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-28/the-math-behind-espn-s-fear-of-verizon-s-skinny-bundles

Here is a snippet from that piece:

ESPN filed suit against Verizon Communications on Monday over the pay TV carrier's attempt to cut down the size of cable bundles. Verizon is offering its FiOS customers a "Custom TV" option with a $55 base package of channels that allows a choice of two small bundles from a menu of seven. ESPN and ESPN2 are lumped with 10 additional networks in a sports channel pack next to alternative packs for viewers who prefer pop culture or children's programming. The Disney-owned network says this breaks the terms of its contracts with Verizon. The carrier says it's giving the people what they want.

Next is the HULU news, signing the Seinfeld show exclusively:

http://adage.com/article/media/hulu-drop-hulu-brand-picks-seinfeld/298305/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Hulu's marquee content acquisition is "Seinfeld." The complete series will debut on Hulu in June, said Hulu's senior VP of content Craig Erwich, who added that "only Hulu will be streaming all nine seasons." Then Jerry Seinfeld took the stage and answered a few questions from the audience, like what would "Seinfeld" be like if it were made today.

Happy Viewing,

J.W. Gant

PS That AdAge article doesn't contain details on the deal.  $180M for the rights to Seinfeld.  Yeap.  Here is an article that covers that:
http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/hulu-seinfeld-licensing-180-million-1201483537/

Amazon Gets in to the Business of Business

The Washington Post has news on the eCommerce front as Amazon is opening a new marketplace.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/04/28/amazon-adds-another-marketplace-amazon-business/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Amazon announced Tuesday that it is launching Amazon Business, a new marketplace where business shoppers can buy millions of items ranging from everyday office supplies to massive equipment such as industrial deep fryers or tractor parts.

Businesses will be able to register for Amazon Business for free and will receive free two-day shipping on orders costing more than $49.

If you don't follow the Morning News Beat you should:

http://www.morningnewsbeat.com/

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

No More Snow

Back in March I decided to wait long after the end of expected snowfall before writing this entry.  On April 27th, 2015 it feels safe to say the snow season has come to an end and we can record the damage.  After the year Boston has had this blog would not be complete without this entry.

I pulled this image off of weather.com:

This was a record year.  The most snowfall in one season in the recorded history of Boston.  It was quite a mess.  After working in the yard the last two weekends preparing for my 3 y/o's birthday party next weekend (to be outdoors) it feels like it is safe to write a recap of the season that was.  Boston's official site says we finished the season with 110.6".

Here is the weather.com report as the record fell March 29th:

http://www.weather.com/news/news/new-england-boston-record-snow-tracker

Here is Boston's snow stats page that I assume will update as the new snow season begins later this year:

http://snowstats.boston.gov/

So why not capture the current entry on that site?

Baseball season is in full swing now and I have the grill out.  No more thoughts of snow until the latter days of 2015.  Have a nice summer folks!

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Mobile Order and Pay with Starbucks

QSR is working feverishly to increase throughput via technology.  The concept of order ahead via mobile is one path that is poised to explode and Starbucks is out in front again.

Here is a story on their progress so far:

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/starbucks-mobile-order-and-pay-sees-hot-start-aided-by-integration

Here is a snippet from that piece:

In a conference call to discuss the coffee giant’s fiscal second-quarter financial results, Starbucks, based in Seattle, WA, said it is on track to roll out mobile order and pay nationwide this calendar year after the service drove an increase in transactions in Starbucks stores and markets where it was launched. The feature, which will be expanded to more than 600 stores in the Pacific Northwest following its introduction to 150 Portland, OR stores in December, shows how mobile has created the need for a service that that makes checkout quicker and smoother, as the mobile mind shift increases customers’ impatience with lines and long wait times.

“This supports the trend of mobile growth, and specifically importance of in-app inventory (as opposed to mobile web),” said Chris Hansen, president of Netmining.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Fun for Friday - Apple Watch

This may be a new line for me in my blog.  FFF or Fun for Friday.

Rather than be just one more entry for the Apple Watch launch I went with a different title and have found a very humorous story on the subject that is worth reading.  How about 15 tips for getting people to notice that fancy new Apple Watch you just purchased?

Hilarious reading.

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/15-tips-for-getting-people-to-notice-your-brand-117264184414.html?src=rss

Here is the first one:

1. Wear a shirt that leaves your wrist uncovered –– something like a tube top, or nudity.

In case you didn't pick up on it, today is the day the Apple Watch is officially launched.  Something that means ... next to nothing to most people since the pre-order delays are already stretching well in to the summer months.

Have a great weekend and Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Small Format Fresh Supermarkets - Roche Bros and Ahold

Everyone is taking notice of the success we are seeing around the country with small format stores (Wal-Mart is onboard with this approach as is Target).  We have a couple of examples in the Boston area that are making news.

First up is the new Roche Bros. store in downtown Boston:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/04/23/roche-bros-unveils-downtown-store-former-filene-basement/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Field trips and focus groups helped shape the menu of the new Roche Bros. at Downtown Crossing, a store that promises to be part traditional supermarket, part take-out food emporium.

The new two-level store, which will operate largely in space previously occupied by Filene’s Basement, will be the only market of its kind in the neighborhood. This is the second big supermarket to open in the city this year. Whole Foods Market unveiled a huge place in the former Boston Herald site in the South End, called the Ink Block project.

Next is news from Ahold on their move in this direction:

http://supermarketnews.com/small-format-supermarket/ahold-open-fresh-format-boston

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Ahold USA, which quietly opened an urban fresh format recently in Philadelphia, is doing the same in Boston, SN has learned.

A division of Ahold known as Fresh Formats LLC is advertising for employees for a new small-format fresh food store to be located in the Boston neighborhood of Allston. Want ads appearing online describe the venture as “a new Fresh Food market that is small in size but BIG on fresh, organic & value.”

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Windows 10 - Tablets, Desktops, Laptops, Hybrids, etc

The one operating system to rule them all?  If Microsoft has finally done it this should be pretty impressive.

Windows 10 is coming soon and here is a quick look at some core features:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2874400/windows-10-the-10-coolest-features-you-should-check-out-first.html#slide1

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Facebook News - Mobile is Huge

Q1 is in the books and everyone is interested in Facebook's news.

A couple points made headlines:

• Advertising Revenues Topped $3.3B
• 73 per cent of Facebook is Mobile

Big bits of news to be sure.

Here are a couple stories that capture the details.  First is earnings including the ad revenue bit:

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/248253/facebook-ad-revs-top-33b-year-to-year.html?edition=82246

Next is news on the mobile share:

http://mobilemarketingmagazine.com/facebook-q1-2015-results-mobile-73-per-cent-of-ad-revenues

Facebook is becoming the beginning, the middle, and the end of digital marketing in the United States.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Twitter Beacons

This is huge news, every bit as large ad the Facebook announcement earlier this year.

Twitter is enabling beacon interactions.

Here is the story from BI:

http://www.businessinsider.com/twitter-ventures-hearst-ventures-softbank-capital-lead-18-million-financing-round-in-beacon-company-swirl-2015-4

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Beacons — small devices placed in retail stores that connect with smartphone apps using Bluetooth — are predicted by Business Insider Intelligence to directly influence more than $4 billion of US retail sales this year at top retailers (.1% of the total).

But right now, a big obstacle in the way of that number jumping higher is that for a consumer to receive a pop-up notification on their phone from a retailer or advertiser sent via beacon, they need to have opted in to receive those notifications (or ads) in a specific app. Right now, those apps are mostly limited to retailers' own apps, or a small network of other apps that are not always likely to be on most consumers' phones.

But that network could soon be opening up far wider.

I love that write-up.  They nail the parameters.  Beacons will be huge.  It is just a question of how big and when.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

New eCommerce with Jet.com

Looks like an interesting mechanism for Jet.com, the budding eCommerce startup, to differentiate itself from the entrenched competition.

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/248072/the-jetcom-shopping-model-challenges-conventional.html?edition=82230

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Most programs cater to online shoppers’ demand for free deliveries and desire for quick gratification. According to various descriptions, though, Jet.com’s shopping model pays little heed to these interests. While it offers free shipping on orders of $35 or more, it rewards members primarily for placing large orders.

The program uses an algorithm that recalculates the total price whenever the shopping cart grows or contracts. Final prices are based on a combination of small, individual offers and other factors, not all of which apply to every purchase...

I've always found it is best to work with the desires of your customers rather than create new ones.  Not sure they'll get the change in behavior they want.  Rather, they may just get a bunch of frustrated customers who see cheaper prices and greater convenience elsewhere.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

BRotD - Entry 0210 Rise of In-House Agency

CMO.com has a great read on the trend towards bringing creative in-house.  Very good reading overall.

http://www.cmo.com/articles/2015/4/17/the-rise-of-the-inhouse-agency.html

Here is a snippet from that piece:

The digital world, with its multiple channels and growing complexity is indeed a major driver of in-house agency growth.

“Speed and efficiency is crucial nowadays,” says Ian Cranna, VP Marketing and Category at Starbucks EMEA. “With more channels, high-quality content is absolutely key for us to be able to move in a high-quality but fast way and to maximise our marketing budget.”

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

BRotD - Entry 0209 Taco Bell Loyalty

Best Reading of the Day

QSR is undergoing some major new innovations led by a few and taking advantage of the differentiation opportunities granted by mobile.  Taco Bell is one of the leaders, probably out of necessity, and appears to be seeing gains as a result.

Mobile Commerce Daily has a good piece on their most recent efforts:

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/taco-bells-in-app-loyalty-program-adds-filling-to-mobile-strategy

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Taco Bell is gearing up to overtake its competitors in mobile strategy by announcing plans to roll out a customer loyalty program as part of its mobile application later this year, placing it a step above other fast food chains such as McDonald’s and Burger King that do not offer rewards platforms.

While the brand has not revealed specifics of the in-app loyalty program, it plans to make the experience of logging Taco Bell orders more game-like, rather than a traditional punch card. Taco Bell has been placing a greater emphasis on mobile in recent months, which began with its introduction of mobile ordering in 2014.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Retailer's Beacon Release Plans for 2015

A new survey on retailer's plans to launch beacons in-store has just come out and is worth reading over.

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/247920/37-of-large-retailers-to-deploy-beacons-this-year.html?edition=82108

Here is a snippet from the report:

Many large and small retailers plan to deploy beacons this year but those in the middle, not so much.

Comprehensive research around beacon deployment has been somewhat scarce in the market to date.

We know beacon deployment at retail last year was hardly a blockbuster, although there were countless experiments and trials going on, some relatively large in scope. The same is still true today, despite a few large-scale deployment announcements.

We are seeing a lot of activity in this space this year.  Will you be way behind once the strength of these is figured out?  Or is the whole thing a bust?  I'm a believer in iBeacons/Beacons and their ability to enable personalized interactions in-store.  We should know by January next year.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

MorningNewsBeat on Loyalty and on eCommerce

I've been on the road the last 3 days and have found it impossible to keep up with my daily research.  Thankfully the MorningNewsBeat is another great resource and I've captured a couple stories I otherwise would have missed thanks to the site.

http://morningnewsbeat.com/

Loyalty

Here is the first one focused on a new report from Bond Brand Loyalty:

http://morningnewsbeat.com/News/Detail/46770/2015-04-13/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

KC's View: I think a lot of the problem is that many of these loyalty programs are just forms of electronic coupons, and they don't really differentiate themselves. It is instructive that Amazon was ranked as having a strong loyalty program, but it doesn't really have one in the traditional sense - you pay to be part of Amazon Prime, and the offers one gets that are related to previous purchases aren't defined as being loyalty-related. They're just relevant ... which has far greater consumer power, I think.

You can download the full report, if you provide contact details, from BBL directly:

http://info.bondbrandloyalty.com/the-loyalty-report-2015

eCommerce

Next up is Internet Retailer's report on eCommerce growth:

http://morningnewsbeat.com/News/Detail/46795/2015-04-15/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

KC's View: One interesting note from the Internet Retailer rankings: Walmart is in the third position, Staples is in fourth, and Office Depot is ranked sixth. However, if the announced deal that would have Staples acquiring Office Depot is permitted to take place by antitrust regulators, the combined Staples-Office Depot online business would actually be bigger than Walmart's.

But not for long, I expect ... if Walmart continues to invest mightily in its e-commerce initiatives.

Here is a link to the Internet Retailer story, that also contains a link so you can purchase the full report:

https://www.internetretailer.com/2015/04/14/e-commerce-grows-most-mid-sized-retailers-top-500

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Brick & Mortar Stores the Key to eCommerce?

I've been saying for a couple years now one key to the future of brick & mortar stores is the use of those stores as distribution centers (another key being all things mobile).  Amazon has been building DCs in a frenzy.  The Wal-Marts of the world don't need to do this because they already have. The new CEO of Wal-Mart's U.S. business sees it the same way.

https://www.internetretailer.com/2015/04/15/wal-mart-stores-are-key-winning-customers-online

Here is a snippet from that piece:

As online and offline retail become more closely linked, with customers purchasing online and picking up in stores, or placing web orders while roaming store aisles, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. thinks it has a major leg up against its competitors.

“With over 4,500 stores, we are within 10 miles of nearly 90% of all Americans,” Greg Foran, Wal-Mart’s new CEO of its U.S. business, told investors last week in a strategic update on Wal-Mart’s U.S. operations. “As we continue to expand, that equation becomes even more fascinating. That is a competitive advantage.”

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Apple Pay is a Giveaway to Credit Card Companies

The title of this post is not my own, rather it is a copy.  That was taken from an article over on Harvard Business Review.

Wow.

That is a strong statement.

Filed under 'Competitive Strategy' the article does a comparison between Apple's moves with the music industry a decade ago and its moves today with payments.

https://hbr.org/2015/04/apple-pay-is-just-a-big-giveaway-to-credit-card-companies

Here is a snippet from that piece:

It’s easy to assume Apple Pay is one in a long line of disruptive innovations from the master of serial disruption. But this time that’s not the case. Apple isn’t behaving as a disruptor here; it’s acting as a reseller.

This seems like an easy distinction to spot, but that’s not always so. Like disruptors, resellers can enter an industry with a different business model and target customers unattractive to established firms. But they extend an industry’s distribution structure rather than disrupt it. So for instance, independent insurance agents (who, unlike an insurance company’s own agents, can direct customers to a wide variety of insurers in search of the best deal), act as an additional sales channel for the industry, particularly at the price-conscious margins, not as an disruptive alternative. They would be disruptive if they were selling insurance from a company new to the industry using an independent, low-cost distribution channel, such as direct to the customer, either by phone or online.

I wonder how the article's author would look at the likes of CurrentC in the realm of disruptive forces?

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

In-Store Mobile Use

One interesting report ties with a couple of stories that are making interesting news.  Use of mobile devices while participants are in the physical store is up to 75% now.  Here is the story that focused this for me:

https://www.internetretailer.com/2015/04/09/75-store-shoppers-use-their-mobile-devices-store

Here is a snippet from that piece:

As has generally been the case in the mobile realm, consumers are ahead of retailers in adopting and using mobile technologies. Today, 75% of store shoppers use their mobile devices while shopping in stores, according to a new report, “Reality of Retail,” from InReality, a retail marketing and strategy firm. What’s more, 25% of store shoppers who use their mobile devices in stores make a purchase on their mobile devices while in-store. Such purchases include a product that is out of stock, a product in a size currently unavailable in a specific store, or, to any retailers’ chagrin, the same or similar product from a competing retailer with a better price.

Here is a link to the page at InReality where you can get the report (contact data required):

http://www.inreality.com/resources/report/20150331/

Coincidentally there is a story by the folks over at Mobile Commerce Daily on Home Depot doubling down on their in-store mobile efforts:

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/home-depot-doubles-down-on-in-app-interactive-shopping-tools

Here is a snippet from that piece:

The Home Depot is supporting shoppers’ omnichannel needs with several new interactive tools available across its application and mobile Web site that are designed to simplify finding and buying the right products for the lawn and garden this spring.

With consumers’ thoughts turning to spending time outside now that winter is winding down, The Home Depot has introduced the Mulch and Top Soil Calculator, Grass Seed Calculator as well as the Weed, Plant and Pest Problem Solver. By streamlining the shopping process for smartphone-equipped consumers, the retailer is taking some of the frustration out of shopping from a small screen, whether a purchase is completed in–store, online or inside the application.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

BRotD - Entry 0208 VP of Marketing for Coca Cola

Best Reading of the Day

I find the structural outline of organization at Coca Cola to be an interesting view in to the changing landscape of marketing for national brands.  CMO.com has an interview with a VP over there:

http://www.cmo.com/articles/2015/4/8/cmocom-europe-interview-mark-elkins-vp-digital-sales--marketing-cocacola-enterprises-.html

Here is a snippet from that piece:

In a traditional marketing sense the split is pretty clear; The Coca-Cola Company leads above-the-line and we manage below-the-line. In a digital world it's a lot more complex.

We think about digital in five broad ways: The first is about using digital to encourage consumers to fall in love with the brand; brand digital engagement.

You have to take in to account digital in today's world and the 'Participation Age'.  They are attempting to account for the changing landscape and from what I've seen they are doing a pretty good job at it.  Doesn't mean they'll help their declining sales considering the issues with the products they sell but this is a solid approach.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Apple Watch 1.0 Reviews Are In

The early reviewers have received their watches, have put in as much as a week with the device, and are now being allowed to release their write-ups. If you want to skim through a high-level view of the reviews out there, skip to the last link for an article from TNW.

Re/Code is truly an awesome place to get news and analysis on technology.

Here is the full review:

http://recode.net/2015/04/08/a-week-on-the-wrist-the-apple-watch-review/

Here is a write-up of some 3rd party apps:

https://recode.net/2015/04/08/apple-watch-apps-what-to-expect/

Here is an excellent piece from Bloomberg

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2015-04-08/apple-watch-review-you-ll-want-one-but-you-don-t-need-one

Here is a snippet from that piece that I find to be quite revealing:

The notification scheme is a little maddening at first. Apple sends a push notification every time you get a corporate e-mail, personal e-mail, direct message on Twitter, message on Facebook, and for interactions in countless other services. Each of these notifications pings the watch. For every message, there is a sound, a vibration, or both. (You can mute them.) If you’re a busy person who communicates constantly on your phone, this gets overwhelming fast. I found myself turning off notifications from entire apps, which seems to defeat the purpose of the watch in the first place. Mercifully, Apple has included a way to clear all those notifications: Just Force Touch on the list.

Eventually, I figured out that getting the watch to really work for you requires work. I pruned a list of VIP contacts in my mail app to make e-mail notifications more tolerable, I killed several app notifications that I found to be consistently interruptive, and I streamlined my list of applications to those that seemed truly vital to my day.

Couple things to think about.  Given these wearable devices are pretty much all slaves to their smart phone friends the notification system is critical.  The above snippet is very revealing to that end.  This watch is for power users who will take the time to customize their notifications for maximum effect.  Secondly, the apps will continue to evolve.  Hard to remember the time when the iPhone didn't have an app store.  Pretty much the case here as well since "native" watch apps aren't allowed yet. This will evolve and improve with time.  Do you want to be along for the ride or wait and see?

One more link will be my last.  This one from The Next Web is a mash of all of the write-ups available, should you be looking for more reading on this subject:

http://thenextweb.com/apple/2015/04/08/roundup-the-first-reviews-of-the-apple-watch/

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

CurrentC by MCX to go Public mid-2015, plus Microsoft and PayPal News

News everywhere in the mobile payments space about CurrentC's plans though all of the stories seem to point back to MacWorld.  Here is one story:

http://www.mobilepaymentsinsider.com/2015/04/07/currentc-prepares-to-go-public-with-mid-2015-launch/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Mobile payments service CurrentC will officially launch in the US over the next few months, adding further competition to the crowded mobile payments market.

Here is the MacWorld piece that appeared to break the story:

http://www.macworld.com/article/2906592/apple-pay-rival-currentc-coming-in-mid2015.html

Here is a snippet from that piece:

A small -scale trial began last year and CurrentC is currently being tested in several undisclosed markets around the U.S. However, its use is restricted to employees of member retailers, which include Walmart, 7-Eleven, Dunkin Donuts, Sears, Best Buy, Exxon Mobil and Gap.

Merchant Content Exchange (MCX), the operator of the service, plans to make it available to the public in mid 2015, but in a single market at first.

More news in the payments space has also come out from both Microsoft and PayPal.

Microsoft is working on some kind of 'Microsoft Pay':

http://arstechnica.com/business/2015/04/microsoft-payments-may-join-apple-android-samsung-in-pay-platforms/

UPDATE: Another story works to add to this report:
http://www.mobilepaymentsinsider.com/2015/04/10/microsoft-makes-another-mobile-payments-move/

PayPal is going to release a new wallet that will utilize NFC technology:

http://www.digitaltransactions.net/news/story/PayPal-Will-Include-NFC-Capability-in-the-Coming-Version-of-Its-Mobile-Wallet

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant 

Apple Pay Runs Into the Durbin Amendment?

Bad news follows bad news for Apple Pay.

First was a little piece of news about usage of Apple Pay that indicates pretty significant issues with the in-store experience.

Now is news on a potential question of legality:

http://www.paymentssource.com/news/compliance/apple-pay-may-reignite-war-over-durbin-amendment-3021023-1.html

Here is a snippet from the piece:

Just months after the Supreme Court appeared to end the legal fight over swipe-fee rules, a new battle is brewing over the interplay between mobile payments like Apple Pay and the Durbin amendment.

At issue is the ease with which merchants can choose routing options that promise lower fees against the backdrop of rapidly changing technology.

The amendment, inserted by Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., into the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, requires issuers to give greater access to certain PIN networks and not just Visa and MasterCard. But merchants and some payments experts say that requirement is being violated because retailers have not been able to use the other networks in a variety of situations, including Near Field Communication and other contactless transactions like Apple Pay and online commerce.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Amazon Dash - No It Wasn't An April Fools Joke

I wouldn't be the first to state I thought the news was an April Fools joke.  Amazon has created tiny little connected buttons you can place throughout your home and press to order specially designated products.

Here is one story on that:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/03/31/amazon-dash-ordering-button/70747342/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Never, ever want to run out of coffee, toilet paper, razors or trash bags again? Amazon has a button for you.

The online behemoth launched Amazon Dash on Tuesday. Although that was one day before April Fools', it actually is a real product, the company says.

Dash is a small oval electronic device about the size of a pack of gum. Each one comes emblazoned with the name of a different, frequently used-up, product.

What I think is interesting is the opportunity for national brand CPGs.  AdAge has a piece on that:

http://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/big-brands-dash-amazon-cash-joke/297898/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Amazon Dash, the push-button auto-replenishment service that the e-commerce giant has begun testing with select Amazon Prime members, could give big packaged-goods brands the edge they've been looking for on a playing field where the industry's traditional behemoths have been getting pushed around by smaller players.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

PS  I may not have found this article if not for MorningNewsBeat:
http://morningnewsbeat.com/News/Detail/46715/2015-04-06/

Mobile Only?

In what would be the first of its kind move an eCommerce site in India named Myntra is planning to close its website and go to a mobile only mode.

This is very significant news though not something you'll likely see from mid-to-large companies in the United States.

Here is the story:

http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/myntra-to-shut-website-from-may-1-will-be-available-only-as-mobile-app-report-253544.html

Here is a snippet from that piece:

The report states that Myntra pulls in about 80% of its traffic and 60% of sales through its mobile application. It has plans to take the sales number to 90% by the end of the year. When that happens, the fashion e-tailer will most likely shut down its websites according to sources familiar with the matter. If it does indeed happen, it will be the first instance of an online e-tailer going mobile-only from web + mobile format.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

BRotD - Entry 0207 Google's New Algorithm

Best Reading of the Day

Get Ready.  That little algorithm we work so hard towards in all of our SEM and SEO is about to undergo a big change to further embrace the mobile internet.

http://www.cio.com/article/2905192/seo-sem/how-to-prepare-for-googles-next-major-search-update.html

Here is a snippet from the piece:

At the close of last month's Search Marketing Expo (SMX) West, conference speakers were asked to share their key takeaways.

"Mobile, mobile, mobile," said Kelly Wrather, senior manager of content marketing for Kenshoo and an SMX presenter. "I want to grab every website designer and tell them mobile is the thing! It's the only thing!"

At previous SMX shows the importance of mobile-optimized websites was a frequent topic of discussion, but this year, as Wrather's declaration illustrates, there was a sense of urgency because "Mobilegeddon," as some are calling it, is nearly here.

On April 21, Google will expand its "mobile-friendly" search result rankings, and the company says the changes will have an even bigger impact on search than its past Panda and Penguin algorithm updates.

What will your company's strategy be?  Fast follow, let the big guys spend tons of money to figure this out then make your changes? Will you be a leader, or have you already made the changes that will position you to take advantage of this?

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Baseball Analysis as Opening Day Nears

A bit more fun this week, though the analysis is quite serious.  If you are a data geek as I am then you should be hitting up 538.com every day for their latest and greatest.

The Boston Red Sox have been at the front of much of this work though everyone seems to trail that Moneyball guy over on the West Coast.

Here is a great little piece on the changing game of baseball as data shifts the thinking of everyone involved with the game.

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/three-trends-to-watch-in-baseball-this-year/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Baseball is changing. I suppose that’s nothing new — baseball has always been changing, but now novel technologies and team philosophies are reshaping the game to a near-unprecedented degree. Pitch tracking, new kinds of defensive positioning, hyper-specialized relief pitching — all are altering the tactical landscape of MLB.

FiveThirtyEight’s season preview is about some of those changes. Tons of season previews concentrate on the teams — our friends at Grantland have been doing a great one of these — so we looked elsewhere for our inspiration. Below you’ll find three of the season’s most important trends alongside three of the players likely to be affected by them. These are the storylines worth keeping an eye on in the 2015 season regardless of your rooting interest. Embrace the change.

Go RedSox!

J.W. Gant

Mobile News from Marriott

One million check-ins through mobile since it was released 2 years ago.

Wow!

Marriott is proving to be a leader in mobile for their vertical.  Very impressive milestone, and I believe there is much more on the way.

Here is a little story on that:

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/marriott-celebrates-1m-mobile-check-ins-with-rewards-points-sweepstakes

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Mobile is transforming the hotel check-in experience, with 1 million Marriott International customers having checked in to their rooms on their mobile devices since the option was introduced nearly two years ago.

Marriott International is celebrating the accomplishment with a sweepstakes across its brands giving Marriott Rewards members who use mobile check-in a chance to win a share of millions of rewards points. Mobile check-in is still a relatively new offering, but it has quickly been embraced by a number of hotel chains including La Quinta and Hilton in addition to Marriott.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Mobile Payments - Apple Pay and CurrentC by MCX

Two articles popped up recently that are must-reads.

First is a fantastic and balanced article by the folks over at ArsTechnica on Apple Pay, its struggles and successes, and what else is happening in that space including CurrentC.

http://arstechnica.com/apple/2015/04/like-all-mobile-wallets-before-it-apple-pay-struggles-with-retailers/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

A recent study published by market research company Phoenix Marketing International found that 47 percent of all Apple Pay users shopping in a participating store were not able to use Apple Pay to complete a transaction at least once.

The finding reflects one of the biggest stumbling blocks that Apple Pay and its competitors face in trying to get people to adopt mobile payments—the fact that no payment platform can control the experience a customer has when they walk into a brick-and-mortar store.

Next is a great little piece that thoughtfully examines the strengths and weaknesses of the approach we are seeing from MCX with its CurrentC app:

http://www.paymentssource.com/news/interchange/mcx-can-avoid-harm-from-its-crawl-to-market-3021001-1.html

Here is a snippet from that piece:

The Merchant Customer Exchange's mobile payment app is developing slower than expected, but the venture has advantages that should allow it to avoid harm from the delay.

MCX expects to launch an early-stage version of the CurrentC app in mid-2015, in a mid-sized market. That's well after initiatives from rivals such as Samsung and Apple, but MCX is still well-positioned for success if it makes the right moves and curries favor with banks.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

BRotD - Entry 0206 iPhone Killer

Best Reading of the Day

The article isn't about what you'd think given the title.  The excellent folks over at Wired.com have a great piece on how the Apple Watch came in to being (just in time to begin the week long drum beat towards the start of pre-orders).

http://www.wired.com/2015/04/the-apple-watch/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

IN EARLY 2013, Kevin Lynch accepted a job offer from Apple. Funny thing about the offer: It didn’t say what he would be doing. So intense is Apple’s secrecy that all Lynch knew was his vague title, vice president of technology, and that he’d be working on something completely new. 

It was odd that Apple even offered him a job. During his eight years at Adobe, most recently as chief technology officer, he was best known as the only person dumb enough to publicly fight Steve Jobs over the iPhone’s lack of support for Flash videos. When Lynch announced his move, the reaction was immediate: They want this guy? Apple blogger John Gruber called Lynch “a bozo, a bad hire.”

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

The End of Mad Men Begins

If April 13th is not yet marked on your calendar then either you don't recognize the ominous signs of the number 13 or you aren't a fan of the incredibly successful show 'Mad Men'.

The Thagent 21st Century blog is about technology products and the participants that engage with those products.  If you love all of that you should love 'Mad Men'.

Here is a great little article about the coming end of the show:

http://www.wired.com/2015/04/mad-men-end-of-drama/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

TV IS AN odd mishmash of a medium. It shares enough qualities with film that we can use the word “cinematic” as a blanket compliment, yet its traditional broadcast model more closely resembles radio. In fact, with the advent of original programming from online-only platforms, it’s increasingly difficult to tell what, exactly, TV is. Maybe that’s why, dating back to The Mary Tyler Moore Show, TV is so often about itself. There’s a long history of scripted TV that’s about making TV. Yet, for all the literal examples of it—Sports Night, 30 Rock—Mad Men, which returns for its final seven episodes on Sunday, is the most self-reflexive series of them all.

Happy Viewing,

J.W. Gant